Snorkelling in Antarctica
Cruise ship passengers are often surprised that they may have the option of snorkelling in Antarctica. Getting into the coldest water on the planet either appeals to you or doesn’t. Snorkelling in the Antarctic Peninsula is a unique experience in and of itself, but it often also comes with some very cool wildlife encounters.
Aurora Expeditions is the only company offering snorkelling. Whilst no experience is necessary to be able to take part, you do need to be a comfortable swimmer, and previous snorkelling experience is preferred.
It’s impossible to guarantee what you will see when snorkelling, but depending on the weather and the location, you might swim around shallow icebergs or see penguins getting in and out of the water. There’s also a chance to see other marine life, such as nudibranchs, isopods, sea urchins, starfish, and krill. In South Georgia, you might also see fur seals.
How is the snorkelling done?
The snorkel team will give you a safety briefing that covers everything you need to know to snorkel safely. They’ll show you the equipment and get you properly sized up and kitted out with the equipment you will use. Snorkelling is normally undertaken twice a day- morning and afternoon. You’ll get the chance to land on the Peninsular also.
What equipment do I need?
Snorkelling in Antarctica requires different equipment compared with snorkelling in tropical water. The basic kit is still a mask, snorkel, and fins. But protection from the cold is a huge part of it, so drysuits are worn. The aim of a drysuit is to keep you dry, but also to allow the clothes you wear underneath to keep you as warm as possible. You’ll also wear thick gloves and a hood to keep your head warm. These are made of neoprene like a wetsuit, so your hands and head get wet.
Most of the equipment is provided. The only thing you’ll need is warm underclothes. This is normally thermal underwear, with a middle layer such as a sweater and jogging bottoms. A fleece over the sweater will keep you the warmest. Alternatively, if you are a scuba diver but are not diving, any diving undersuit designed for colder diving is perfect to wear.
What safety precautions are in place?
The guides are qualified and experienced divemasters or instructors and have a lot of experience of diving and snorkelling in Antarctica. When arriving at the snorkelling site, the guides will conduct a risk assessment. Then you will receive a safety briefing, and the guides will be on hand to help you get ready, before acting as surface support the entire time you’re in the water. The ratio is normally 4-6 snorkelers per guide.
Scuba Diving
Snorkelling
Kayaking
Camping
Polar Plunge
Snowshoeing
Back To Top